International friendly: Black Queens held by Ivory Coast in WAFCON preparation

Photo Credit - Ghana Women National Teams.

Ghana’s preparation for the 2025 African Women’s Championship got off to a jerky start when the Black Queens gave away a 3-1 lead to draw 3-3 with Ivory Coast in Abidjan on Friday May 30.

The game forms part of two friendlies against Ivory Coast ahead of the Africa Women’s Championship to be hosted in Morocco in July.

Head coach Kim Bjorkegren’s side controlled for much of the game, with goals from Sherifatu Sumaila, Chantelle Hlorgah, and an own goal giving Ghana a 3-1 advantage by the 51st minute. But a late fightback from the Ivorians saw the game end in a 3-3 draw.

Sherifatu opened the scoring in the 18th minute, and Hlorgah doubled the lead in the 41st with her first senior goal. Ivory Coast pulled one back before halftime. An own goal extended Ghana’s lead after the break, but defensive lapses allowed the Ivorians to score twice in the second half and secure the draw.

The Black Queens begin their WAFCON campaign on July 7 against defending champions South Africa, followed by group stage clashes with Mali and Tanzania.